Effect of 830nm Laser Phototherapy on Osteoblasts Grown in Vitro on Biosilicate (R) Scaffolds

Objective: the purpose of this study was (i) to develop a method for successfully seeding osteoblasts onto a glass-ceramic scaffold designed for use in clinical settings, and (ii) to determine whether the application of laser phototherapy at 830nm would result in osteoblast proliferation on the glass-ceramic scaffold. Background: the use of bioscaffolds is considered a promising strategy for a number of clinical applications where tissue healing is sub-optimal. As in vitro osteoblast growth is a slow process, laser phototherapy could be used to stimulate osteoblast proliferation on bioscaffolds. Methods: A methodology was developed to seed an osteoblastic (MC3T3) cell line onto a novel glass-ceramic scaffold. Seeded scaffolds were irradiated with a single exposure of 830nm laser at 10J/cm(2) (at diode). Non-irradiated seeded scaffolds acted as negative controls. Cell proliferation was assessed seven days after irradiation. Results: Osteoblastic MC3T3 cells were successfully grown on discs composed of a glass-ceramic composite. Laser irradiation produced a 13% decrease in MC3T3 cell proliferation on glass-ceramic discs (mean +/- SD 0.192 +/- 0.002) compared with control (non-irradiated) discs (mean +/- SD = 0.22 +/- 0.002). Conclusions: Despite successful seeding of bioscaffolds with osteoblasts, laser phototherapy resulted in a reduction in cell growth compared to non-irradiated controls. Future research combining laser phototherapy and glass-ceramic scaffolds should take into account possible interactions of the laser with matrix compounds.Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Biosci, BR-15011000 Santos, SP, BrazilGriffith Univ, Sch Biomol & Phys Sci, Nathan, Qld 4111, AustraliaUniv Fed Sao Carlos, Dept Mat Engn, Vitreous Mat Lab LaMaV, BR-13560 Sao Carlos, SP, BrazilGriffith Univ, Sch Physiotherapy & Exercise Sci, Gold Coast, Qld, AustraliaUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Biosci, BR-15011000 Santos, SP, BrazilWeb of Scienc